Pakistan on Friday successfully test fired its short range Surface to Surface (STS) Ballistic Missile Hataf-2 (Abdali). The missile test was conducted as part of the process of validation and technical improvements in the Land Based Ballistic Missile Systems of the country, an ISPR news release said. Hataf-2 (Abdali) with a range of 180 kms can carry nuclear as well as conventional warheads with high accuracy.
The test was witnessed by Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Khalid Shameem Wynne, Director General Strategic Plans Division, Lieutenant General (Retd) Khalid Ahmed Kidwai, Commander Army Strategic Force Command Lieutenant General Jamil Haider, Suparco Chairman Major General Ahmed Bilal, Senior officers from the Armed Forces and Scientists and Engineers of Strategic Organisations.
CJCSC speaking on the occasion reiterated that the test would go a long way in consolidating Pakistan's strategic deterrence capability and further strengthening national security. He said that in the hierarchy of military operations, the Abdali weapons system now provides Pakistan with an operational level capability, additional to the strategic level capability, which Pakistan already possess because of its medium range and long range Ballistic missile systems. He added that Pakistan's resolve and commitment to continue its strategic progress would remain paramount.